Sodwana Bay is on the Maputaland coast of northern KwaZulu-Natal, inside the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). It's one of South Africa's top scuba diving destinations, with coral reefs that are the southernmost in Africa. The campsite has over 350 sites, 64 of which have electrical plug points. 4x4 beach access is available on weekends and holidays. It's a long drive (400 km from Durban), but the diving, fishing, and tropical bush coastline make it a bucket-list camping trip.
Sodwana Bay's campsite is managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. Of the 350+ sites, 64 have electric plug points. The rest are unpowered. Terrain varies across the campsite: some sites suit caravans and boats, others are better for 4x4 setups and tents. Ablutions have hot and cold water (showers and baths). Free WiFi covers the area. Scuba diving and snorkelling on the coral reefs are the main events. Five reef systems sit close offshore, hosting tropical fish, turtles, and occasionally whale sharks. Sport fishing (catch-and-release on the reefs, shore fishing on the beach) is huge. Kitesurfing picks up in the windier months. 4x4 beach access opens on weekends and holidays. The wider iSimangaliso Wetland Park includes Lake Sibhayi, St Lucia estuary, and Kosi Bay. This is a malaria area, so precautions are recommended. There's no fuel at Sodwana; fill up at Mbazwana (20 minutes). Book well in advance for school holidays and diving season.

Ballito
R3100/day

Ethekwini Metropolitan Municipality
R1150/day

Empangeni
R980/day

Ballito, Kwazulu-natal, South Africa
R2250/day

Brettenwood Coastal Estate
R1600/day

Ethekwini Metropolitan Municipality
R500/day

Ballito
R275/day

Ugu District Municipality
R950/day

Ugu District Municipality
R950/day
Yes. Sodwana Bay has 64 powered campsites and 286+ unpowered sites. If your camper needs electricity, book a powered site in advance through Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
Yes. Sodwana Bay is in a malaria zone. Take precautions: prophylaxis, insect repellent, and long sleeves at dusk.
About 400 km, roughly 5 to 6 hours north along the N2 and R22. The last stretch is on a good tar road through the bush.
Yes. Five coral reef systems sit close offshore. Multiple dive operators run trips daily. It's one of the top dive sites in South Africa.